Calculating the tension in a rope

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    Rope Tension
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To calculate the tension in the rope supporting a heavy sack pushed sideways with a force of 220N, it is important to correctly interpret the angle given; the 18 degrees is measured from the vertical. Using trigonometric functions, the tension can be found by resolving the forces acting on the sack. A Free Body Diagram is recommended to visualize the forces and their components. For part B, the mass of the sack can be determined by using the tension calculated in part A and applying the relationship between tension and gravitational force. Clarification on these steps can help resolve any confusion in the calculations.
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Homework Statement



A very heavy sack is hung from a rope and pushed sideways. When the sideways push is 220N the rope supporting the sack is inclined 18 degrees to the vertical.

A) Calculate the tension in the rope
B) Hence find the mass of the stack

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really cluesless as to what to do on this question. For part A I figured I would try trig and did 220Sin(18) = 67.98. I have no idea if I did that right though, as for part B I thought it would be either splitting the answer I got for tension into it's components and and using the downward force or it would just be the same as the answer to A.
 
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First off, draw a Free Body Diagram. It will help you visualize all the forces involved. Make sure you include everything you know.

Secondly, notice that the angle is not 18 degrees, but 18 degrees to the vertical. That means is 18 degrees away from being 90 degrees.

If those don't help enough, come back and let us know where you're still stuck at.
 

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